This week we're jumping into a new series that we will continue throughout the season where we ask some objective questions to a supporter of the team we are coming up against in the weekend. We will then also ask the same questions to an anonymous Gooner. I want to start by thanking Sean for taking the time to give honest and objective answers. My goal in this is to present an honest view and to talk about the competition on the pitch. We'll save the banter for matchday.
So we start here. This week we face off with West Ham United where they will host us at Upton Park. These London Derbies are always intense. However, for those of you that don't remember, our meeting last year at Upton Park saw us a 2-0 win over the Hammers, and I'm sure we're hoping to repeat that and hoping to forget the goalless draw that we had when we hosted the Hammers at The Emirates later in the season.
What's Your name?
West Ham Sean.
How long have you supported West Ham?
Um, i don't know...probably since the Nixon administration.
What's your favorite memory of West Ham-Arsenal past?
1980, when Trevor Brooking put the header right past. We were a shit club from like a small little league, and then we were like the last ones ever to win the Wembley cup at top division.
What will the outcome be of Sunday's match when West Ham host Arsenal at Upton Park?
To be honest, I'm hoping for a draw. We've always had a really good spar with Arsenal, especially at Upton Park. But Arsenal is a threat. You are very present in Europe, you have a fantastic manager. I mean, he plays different than the English style that we play because he plays more like a continental European style. But he has a lot of respect from a lot of people for how he came about 13 years ago, and has changed Arsenal from a mid-table team to a top level team.
What is West Ham's biggest threat to Arsenal this weekend?
Scott Parker I would say. He's back, and he's hungry, and he wants to be back.
What is Arsenal's biggest threat to West Ham this weekend?
I don't know, it seems you work more as a team, there's no singular star. That seems to be how Wenger has it. So as far as the team, I think that alone is threatening. I don't think there will be one person in particular that is a threat, its more the whole team all together.
Where will Arsenal and West Ham finish in the table this season?
West Ham will finish in the top 10, and Arsenal, as much as everyone says Man City is going to knock out Arsenal, money can only buy you so much. I mean Chelsea has really been the only club that has been successful at buying trophies. But it won't happen with City, and you guys will stay in the top 4 at least.
But not for long with their transfer Ban...
You have to read this book called Soccernomics, it really opens your eyes how things are with teams and their transfers and buying.
Last words?
The only real downfall I find with all the good things about Wenger is he doesn't really play with his heart. Like when he sold off Vieira before his time, it left a huge whole in Arsenal's defense, that it took years to bounce back from. The main problem I think is that he looks more at the numbers than he does at how he thinks a player should play. He's gonna have a dynasty though. He'll definitely be the next Fergusson. In other words, when he leaves, Arsenal will be a completely different team. And as many things that I love to joke Wenger about, he is indeed the power point behind Arsenal and has made a huge impact on football in England.
••• And now we have the same questions with a Gooner•••
What's your favorite memory of West Ham-Arsenal past?
I guess this would be Boxing Day 98... I had flown home from London 2 days before, but I did manage to see this on MSG network. 1-0 to the Arsenal at Upton Park. Was the week after I first saw a match.
What will the outcome be of Sunday's match when West Ham host Arsenal at Upton Park?
Derbies are always anything-goes, but based on recent results, I'd have to say 2-1. WHU are having a difficult time this season, but they're at home against a local rival in Arsenal, and we've had a tendency to leak goals, especially off of set pieces.
What is West Ham's biggest threat to Arsenal this weekend?
Aside from knives? Kidding of course. Again, it's the set pieces that worry me, so I guess Carlton Cole would be their danger-man.
What is Arsenal's biggest threat to West Ham this weekend?
The way Robin Van Persie has been playing of late has been extraordinary. I'd put a pound on him to score.
Where will Arsenal and West Ham finish in the table this season?
I picked Arsenal to win the league, and I'm still convinced we can do that this season. But I had picked WHU to finish 8th or so, and there's no realistic expectation that they'll recover that much ground, although I could see them escape relegation. Although not by much.
